After all, McDermott has a huge opportunity this fall. The redshirt freshman from Lake Worth started fall camp Saturday "in a big battle" with junior Tyler Horn for the starting job at center, Golden said.

McDermott, a Palm Beach Central grad, is confident he can win the spot even though Horn started all 13 games last season and was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list — given to the nation's best center — this offseason, as well as to the preseason All-ACC team.

Figueroa healthy

Guard Joel Figueroa, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in May, said he's fully healthy after playing just four games last season because of a back injury for which he underwent surgery in December.

"It was tough, but it was a decision that was best for me because finally I just couldn't go anymore. I tried," Figueroa said. "Now we've got it fixed and I'm looking pretty good. I can move around laterally."

Quick hits

•Seantrel Henderson watched Saturday's practice from the sideline. Henderson is scheduled to undergo back surgery Monday.

•Eduardo Clements, who moved to defensive back this spring, said Saturday "it's a great feeling to be back" at running back.

•Jeremy Lewis has switched from defensive line to offensive line. He's now wearing No. 68. Defensive tackle Darius Smith has Lewis' former number — 98. Safety A.J. Highsmith is now wearing No. 30. Quarterback Ryan Williams has Highsmith's former number — 11.